Ahh the pantry. Whether a closet, cupboard, cabinet, or full walk-in space, it’s the one area home cooks can’t do without. Sure, it’s great for storing spices and seasonings, but what it’s really known for are jarred staples that can zhuzh up a meal in an instant. These kinds of items range from pickled and tart to salty and sweet and have the ability to make a dish sing.
Kimchi is a great example. The fermented veggies blended with spices and herbs give simple rice dishes a punch of flavor. Capers are another jarred product that is loaded with flavor and bring intensity to a meal. But the best jarred pantry staples can also be subtle and simple. A high-quality honey or mix of peppers can be magical when used on top of a dish.
Your pantry is a playground filled with possibilities, and with these jarred items on hand, you can rest assured that you will never have a boring bite. Ahead, we’ve gathered five staples to keep stocked in your pantry.
Located in Michigan, Black Queen Bee produces sustainable products that blend unique flavors with beekeeping traditions, and their hot honey is a prime example. It features crushed Aleppo pepper flakes in the brand's signature honey to add a smooth and spicy flavor to any dish. Plus, the farm is family-run and BIPOC-owned.
These Calabrian chili peppers are beloved by chefs for their bright and tangy flavor. They have just the right amount of heat and are packed with rich and bold flavors, which they bring to an assortment of dishes. Whether it's pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, or a hearty charcuterie board, these whole peppers will be a welcome addition to your meal.
Amazon's Made in Italy marketplace is a treasure trove of grocery store products like these capers. Crisp and briny, they bring a delightful flavor to pasta dishes and fish sauces and are essential for bagel brunches with lox and cream cheese.
If you enjoy tart and tangy flavors, this kimchi is bound to be a favorite in your household. It's made with a traditional Korean method and is flavored with rich spices, Korean peppers, ginger, and sea vegetables for a unique and delicious bite. Use it to spice up rice dishes or to give your salad a flavorful kick.
Think of these as a grown-up fruit snack. The strawberries are picked at their peak and dried to preserve their natural sweetness before being dusted with Guajillo Chile spice and receiving a squeeze of lime juice. Finished with sea salt, they're the perfect snack for parties or evenings at home.
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